Biomedical subjects

K Zeman

Publications and source records attributed to K Zeman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Clinical and immunological condition of newborns of mothers treated for recurrent spontaneous abortions with paternal lymphocytes immunization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical condition at birth and some laboratory parameters in newborns of mothers treated for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unknown etiology with paternal lymphocytes immunization. STUDY DESIGN: The study comprised 104 newborns delivered by 102 women with RSA, who underwent alloimmunization and 90 randomly chosen control newborns. The following parameters were analysed in two groups of newborns: general condition at birth, physical development, course of adaptation period, values of hematological and immunological (percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD3/CD25 lymphocytes, chemiluminescence of neutrophils at rest and stimulated with opsonized zymosane) parameters in umbilical arterial blood. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups of newborns as to the duration of pregnancy, birth weight, general condition at birth, occurrence of complications in the adaptation period and values of studied hematological and immunological parameters. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that immunization with paternal lymphocytes in women with RSA of unknown etiology not only creates better prognosis for the outcome of the pregnancy, but is also safe for the fetus and the newborn.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Efficiency of lymphocyte immunization by the partner in prevention of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. II. Immunologic prognostic factors].

The prognostic value of some immunological parameters on the course of subsequent pregnancy in 117 women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology subjected to paternal lymphocytes immunization, were estimated. We conclude that neither antinuclear (ANA) nor low titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), nor mixed lymphocyte reaction--blocking antibodies (MLR-BAbs) have any significant influence on alloimmunization efficiency. However medium or high ACA titers significantly diminish changes for successful alloimmunization and are connected with most complications of subsequent pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Immunologic characteristics women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology. I. Cellular immune response].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cellular immune response of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unknown etiology. The study group was consisted of 117 nonpregnant women with RSA and 44 healthy, nonpregnant multigravidas (as a control). The following immunological parameters were analyzed in peripheral blood of two groups of women: percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD16+/CD56+ cells, lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen and allogenic, and chemiluminescence of neutrophils. The results show that nonpregnant women with RSA of unknown etiology differ in some parameters of immune response form controls. The changes of peripherial blood T lymphocytes subpopulation were observed, consisted on lower CD8+ percentage and higher CD4+ to CD8+ T cells ratio, but lymphocytes and neutrophils activity seems to be unchanged. It seems, that among couples experiencing RSA of unknown etiology higher evidence of the same HLA antigents is not observed, when compared with couples of normal fertility.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Immunologic characteristics of women recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology. II. Characterization of humoral immunology].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the humoral immune response of non-pregnant women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The study group was consisted of 117 nonpregnant women with RSA and 44 healthy, non-pregnant multigravidas (as a control). The following immunological parameters were analyzed in peripheral blood of two groups of women: the effect of autologous sera on proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or paternal lymphocytes (in mixed lymphocyte reaction--MLR), incidence of MLR-blocking antibodies (MLR-BAbs) incidence of antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies. The results show that women with RSA of unknown etiology differ in some parameters of immune response--higher incidence of antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies, absence of serum factors suppressing lymphocyte proliferation in response to PHA and paternal alloantigens--in comparison with nonpregnant normal multigravidas.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

CD3-/HLA-DR+, CD3+/HLA-DR+ cell levels and PHA stimulation of lymphocytes obtained from women with recurrent spontaneous abortions and subjected to partner's lymphocyte immunization.

It is assumed that 80% of recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) of unknown etiology are of immunological origin. The proposed experimental treatment of those patients could be immunization with paternal lymphocytes, though the exact mechanism through which this therapy exerts its effect is still unknown. Some authors suggest that lymphocyte alloimmunization alters the number and activity of particular subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferative O activity of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and the percentage of peripheral lymphocytes carrying CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD3-/HLA-DR+ markers, present in 32 selected for this study RSA women subjected to paternal lymphocytes' alloimmunization performed prior to conception and in early pregnancy. We conclude that, the post-immunization changes seem to have different quantitative and qualitative character comparing to those seen in normal pregnancy. They seem to avert unfavourable immunological phenomena observed in RSA women, allowing for successful continuation of pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Cytometric analysis of lymphocyte phenotype in cord and newborn blood].

At birth and in early childhood, phenotypic and functional investigation of the immune system is often necessary to identify primary immunological disorders and may provide additional diagnostic and prognostic information in certain intrauterine infections. We compared, using of flow cytometric immunophenotyping, a broad panel of lymphocyte subsets in paired samples obtained from healthy infants at birth (cord blood) and at 3 days of age. Results were compared to those of normal children (7 to 17 years) evaluated using the same methods. Significant age-related differences were demonstrated in lymphocyte subpopulations. Our data can be used as age-matched reference values for blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The role of receptors for tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the induction of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil chemiluminescence.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent mediator of inflammation, which exerts profound effects on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). TNF-alpha binds to distinct cell surface receptors termed p55 and p75, expressed in approximately equal amounts on the PMN surface. We have studied the effects of TNF-alpha on the priming of F-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-stimulated oxidative metabolism of PMN, using a luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay, and have examined the relative roles of PMN receptors for TNF-alpha in priming this oxidative metabolism, using antibodies with p55 and p75 receptor-specific agonistic and antagonistic activities. We have obtained the following results: (1) Antibody Htr-9 with agonistic activity at the p55 receptor mimicked the effect of TNF-alpha; however, a combination of Htr-9 and TNF-alpha did not results in any further increase in chemiluminescence relative to the response observed with TNF-alpha alone. The p75 agonistic antibody MR2-1 actually decreased basal and FMLP-enhanced chemiluminescence. Additionally, MR2-1 substantially inhibited the effects of both TNF-alpha itself and of the p55 agonist Htr-9. (2) Addition of antibodies with antagonistic activities at the p55 (antibody TBP-2) and p75 (antibody Utr-1) receptors resulted in a marked inhibition of the PMN response to TNF-alpha. A combination of both Utr-1 and TBP-2 was most effective at inhibiting the action of TNF. We have confirmed previously published observations that TNF-alpha alone effectively stimulates the oxidative metabolism of PMN in vitro, and that pre-incubation of PMN with TNF-alpha enhances subsequent generation of oxidative metabolites in response to FMLP. We conclude that both p55 and p75 receptors play a critical role in mediating the activation of PMN by TNF-alpha.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Pentoxifylline inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced priming of human neutrophils.

The study was designed to study the effect of pentoxifylline PTX on the chemiluminescence responses of neutrophils and on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced priming of neutrophils. The results demonstrate that TNF-alpha stimulated the respiratory burst by neutrophils and primed them for enhanced response to fMLP but not to PMA. The effect of TNF-alpha on the oxygen metabolism of neutrophils was inhibited when cells were treated with PTX. This reaction was dose-dependent. Additionally, the inhibiting influence of PTX on the chemiluminescence response of neutrophils was observed.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

PubMed1996

Helicobacter pylori infection in the etiopathogenesis of duodenal ulcer in children.

The study evaluates the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, as well as systemic cellular immune response to H. pylori in children with duodenal ulcer (DU). The study group comprised 47 children with DU, aged 6-17 (mean 13, 1 +/- 4, 2). H. pylori detection was based on urease test, histology, culture and serologic tests. Endoscopic and morphologic findings were analysed according to Sydney System criteria. In 12 children from the overmentioned group subsets of blood lymphocytes B and T (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD3/DR, CD19) and NK cells, some neutrophils functions (phagocytosis, chemiluminescence) and phagocytes receptors before and one month after H. pylori triple treatment were investigated. H. pylori infection was detected in 44 of the investigated children. In addition, pathologic examination revealed chronic gastritis in 44 children and chronic duodenitis in 42 of them. In immunosystemic examination decreased percentage of CD8 lymphocytes and NK cells, increased CD4/CD8 ratio, decreased mitogen-induced response and changes of function and receptor expression of neutrophils were found. After H. pylori treatment in follow-up endoscopy no ulcers were found and histologic examination did not reveal chronic active gastroduodenitis, while the rate of nonactive gastritis was increased. Eradication of H. pylori infection in 41 children and normalisation of immune parameters in 11 children were obtained. The results of our investigation indicate, that H. pylori infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DU in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Dynamics of some biochemical indices in myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis and creatine phosphate.

There was studied the effect of intravenously administered creatin phosphate (Neoton-drug with cardioprotective effect, Alfa Schiapparelli Wassermann) in the group of 98 patients affected by their first attack of myocardial infarction. In the course of the treatment there were observed the serum level of many biochemical indices, including the cardioselective enzyme activity. We concluded that the patients treated with Neoton, compared with the control group, revealed the significantly higher elevation of the CK, AST and LDH activity levels and the shift of the CK peak activity towards to the earlier hours after the onset of anginal pain.

Female↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of lipid exchange proteins isolated from small intestinal brush border membrane.

Subjecting rabbit small intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) to freeze-thaw cycles releases water-soluble lipid exchange (transfer) proteins into the supernatant. They differ widely in apparent molecular weight and catalyze cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol exchange between two populations of small unilamellar lipid vesicles. In order to determine their interrelations, the smallest water-soluble lipid exchange protein was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 and cation exchange chromatography on Mono S. It is a basic protein of apparent molecular mass of 13 +/- 0.5 kDa. The purified protein was used to raise polyclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies were also produced against a lipid exchange protein of apparent molecular mass of 100-120 kDa. By comparing lipid exchange, lipid binding, and immunological properties of the water-soluble lipid exchange proteins it can be shown that the 13-kDa (peak 3) protein is related to the 100-120 kDa (peak 1) protein; the properties of these two proteins are different from those of the peak 2 lipid exchange protein of apparent molecular mass of 22 kDa. Based on the immunological cross-reactivity observed between the 13 and 100-120 kDa and the lipid binding properties of these two proteins, a working hypothesis is proposed: both proteins are probably part of an integral membrane protein of the brush border membrane that facilitates cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine absorption in this membrane. Evidence derived from immunogold labeling of BBMV supports the notion that this protein is located on the external (luminal) side of the brush border membrane. The analogous behavior of rabbit and human small intestinal brush border membrane in terms of lipid absorption and the release of water-soluble lipid exchange proteins is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effect of pre-S1 antigen on human lymphocyte proliferative responses.

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients acutely infected with HBV and recovered completely (n = 20), patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB)- (n = 10) and HBsAg-positive carriers (n = 9) and healthy individuals (n = 8) were studied for their in vitro proliferative response to a synthetic pre-S1(20-49)x4 antigen. PBMCs from convalescents showed significant proliferative response in the presence of synthetic pre-S1 antigen. PBMCs from CHB- and HBsAg-positive exhibited reduced proliferative response not only to Pre-S1 antigen but also to nonspecific mitogens. This study suggests that the immune recognition of pre-S1 antigen and response of PBMCs to the pre-S1 antigen may be an important part of the normal human response to HBV infection. Failure to clear the HBV infection with development of the chronic carrier state may be caused by the lack of an efficient pre-S1 antigen-specific response.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations as determined by flow cytometric measurements in healthy children.

Peripheral venous blood leukocyte subpopulations were determined in 69 healthy children and compared in two age groups: 8 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years, the period of pubescence and intensive growth of the organism. As compared to work of other authors, more leukocyte subpopulations were recognized in the examined large group of children. Whole blood monocyte and total lymphocyte absolute counts decreased with age as well as the absolute counts of T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Percentage of CD4+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratio were higher in the older age group. Percentage as well as absolute counts of CD19+ CD5+ cells and CD19+ CD10+ cells are given.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[Adhesion and aggregation of neutrophils in patients with unstable angina].

The adherence and aggregation abilities of neutrophils (PMNs) were evaluated in thirty three patients with unstable angina, who were qualified for PTCA procedure. The control group consisted of forty one clinically healthy persons. The blood for investigations was obtained from coronary sinus and basilic vein just before the procedure, while in the control group from basilic vein only. The adherence of PMNs to plastic surface (rest and stimulated by PMA) was estimated in vitro according to Oez's et al. method by measuring optical density of generated formazan, whereas the aggregation of PMNs was evaluated using the leukergy test according to the method of Fleck in Berliner's and Aronson's modification. In patients with unstable angina statistically significant higher (p < 0.001) adherence of peripheral blood PMNs, compared with control groups was found (patients: rest-0.525 +/- 0.245, stimulated-0.839 +/- 0.419, control group: rest-0.260 +/- 0.129, stimulated-0.522 +/- 0.377). The aggregation of peripheral blood PMNs was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the sick than in the control group (the sick-10.98 +/- 4.29%, controls-4.65 +/- 3.01%). No differences in investigated parameters of PMNs obtained from peripheral or coronary sinus blood were found.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Symptomatic and silent myocardial ischemia during drug therapy and after aortocoronary bypass].

In 53 patients with stable angina pectoris 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter) and bicycle ergometry were used before and six months after a coronary bypass. The examination before operation was made while anti-ischaemic medication was administered, the examination after revascularization was done without medication. The patients were divided into group A (31 patients where complete revascularization of the myocardium was made) and group B (22 patients with incomplete revascularization) and the results were compared during medication and after aortocoronary bypass. In patients of group A revascularization prolonged significantly the load period during ergometry, as compared with medication (from 7.2 +/- 2.2 min. to 9.1 +/- 2.4 min., p < 0.01), the depression of the ST segment in lead V5 was reduced (from 1.3 +/- 0.8 mm to 0.8 +/- 1.0 mm, p < 0.05) and the number of painful episodes during Holter monitoring (from 1 +/- 1 to 0, p < 0.01). In patients of group B none these parameters improved. Medicamentous treatment eliminated ischaemia during a load in 16% of patients in group A, while revascularization did so in 61% (p < 0.01). In patients of group B the success rate of medication was 9%, in revascularization 14% (p = n.s.). During Holter monitoring after revascularization no episodes of ST depressions associated with anginous pain were recorded, although the mean number of silent episodes of ST depressions per 24 hours was 6 +/- 8 in patients of group B and 1 +/- 2 in patients of group A. In patients with stable angina pectoris complete revascularization is significantly more effective than anti-ischaemic medication as regards tolerance of loads and suppression of myocardial ischaemia. Silent myocardial ischaemia is frequent after aortocoronary bypasses and its possible occurrence should be taken into account, in particular in patients with incomplete revascularization.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1995

[Pentoxifylline].

Pentoxifylline (PTX), methylxanthine derivative and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been in use for more than 20 years (with minimal side effects) for the potent hemorrheologic properties and was recently discovered to have influence on function of some immune cells and production of cytokines. Human and animal studies have shown that PTX therapy results in a variety of physiologic changes at the cellular level, which may be important in treating a diverse group of human afflictions. Immune modulation includes increased leukocyte deformability and chemotaxis, decreased endothelial leukocyte adhesion, decreased neutrophil degranulation and release of superoxides, decreased production of TNF-alpha and decreased NK cell activity. Potential medical uses of PTX are reviewed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Allergy to food in children with pollinosis.

The investigated group consisted of 56 children with hay fever. The method of evaluation included interview, skin prick tests and elimination-exposure diets. Our data showed that more than half of the examined children were potentially sensitive to basic corn allergens. Currently in about one third of them clinical food allergy symptoms appeared.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

T lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphocyte proliferative activity in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether any changes occur in the cellular immunity in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy. T lymphocyte subpopulations and the lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens (PHA, Con A, PWM) in the fetal calf serum were examined in normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic primiparas in the third trimester of pregnancy. In normal pregnancy the absolute and percentage numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells were significantly lower and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio almost halved, in comparison with non-pregnant subjects. In the pre-eclamptic women a decreased absolute and percentage content of CD8+ T cells and increased percentage of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes were found--in comparison with the normal pregnant women--which led to an almost 2.5-fold increase of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. No disorders were found in the lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens in either normal or pre-eclamptic pregnancy. We conclude that despite the shifts among T lymphocyte subsets, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation presents its functional stability and unchanged reactivity in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy.

CD3 Complex↗